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Manila Bulletin devider Opinion devider 'You are not far from the kingdom of God'

'You are not far from the kingdom of God'

Published Jun 4, 2026 12:03 am  |  Updated Jun 3, 2026 05:05 pm
REFLECTIONS TODAY
Jesus says this to the scribe who concurs with him as regards the greatest commandment. Love of God and neighbor is far better than burnt offerings and sacrifices.
Love can be shown spontaneously anywhere, everywhere, anytime. It is not confined to the sacred precincts of the Temple and within the liturgical calendar.
In our days, some people put so much emphasis on being liturgically “correct” in their movements and vestments, to the extent of bashing, especially in the social media, those who fall short, according to their standards, thus becoming unkind and uncharitable.
Kindness and charity are hallmarks of true discipleship. The true Christian does not exacerbate the situation, but practices “damage control,” and not inflict more pain to the already hard-up ministers of God.
There are many other ways to improve the quality of our worship, without forgetting love and charity. By this, we will be declared not far from the Kingdom of God.
First Reading • 2 Tm 2:8-15 
Beloved: Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, a descendant of David: such is my Gospel, for which I am suffering, even to the point of chains, like a criminal. But the word of God is not chained. Therefore, I bear with everything for the sake of those who are chosen, so that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, together with eternal glory.
This saying is trustworthy: If we have died with him we shall also live with him; if we persevere we shall also reign with him. But if we deny him he will deny us. If we are unfaithful he remains faithful, for he cannot deny himself. Remind people of these things and charge them before God to stop disputing about words.
This serves no useful purpose since it harms those who listen. Be eager to present yourself as acceptable to God, a workman who causes no disgrace, imparting the word of truth without deviation.
Responsorial Psalm • Ps 25
“Teach me your ways, O Lord.”
Gospel • Mark 12:28-34
One of the scribes came to Jesus and asked him, “Which is the first of all the commandments?” Jesus replied, “The first is this: Hear, O Israel! The Lord our God is Lord alone! You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength. The second is this: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. There is no other commandment greater than these.”
The scribe said to him, “Well said, teacher. You are right in saying, He is One and there is no other than he. And to love him with all your heart, with all your understanding, with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself is worth more than all burnt offerings and sacrifices.”
And when Jesus saw that he answered with understanding, he said to him, “You are not far from the Kingdom of God.” And no one dared to ask him any more questions.
Source: “365 Days with the Lord 2026,” St. Paul’s, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 632-895-9701; E-mail: [email protected]; Website: http://www.stpauls.ph.

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REFLECTIONS TODAY 365 DAYS WITH THE LORD ST. PAUL
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